Who's That Gal: Beth Heller, Holistic Health and Wellness Coach and founder of Balance By Beth
Name: Beth Heller
Occupation: Founder and Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, Balance By Beth
Hometown: Sharon, MA
Age:28
Currently Reading: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Well+Good
If You Could Fly Anywhere Right Now, Where Would You Go: Aruba
Before becoming a health coach, what did your own journey to health and wellness look like? Was it always part of your routine, or was there an eye-opening moment?
Health and wellness have always been an important aspect of my life, but I have had highs and lows throughout my adolescence. I always struggled with body image and the number on the scale, yo-yo dieting, and chasing new fad diets for that quick fix. By my senior year of college I had gained 30 pounds and after I graduated I knew I had to take control of my life. I was miserable and hated how I looked and felt. This is where my journey to better mental and physical health and ultimately self-love began. I always say “health is a journey, not a destination,” but I am currently happy with all aspects of my health and strive for progress over perfection.
What inspired you to make the jump from corporate marketing and PR to starting your own practice as a health coach?
I left my job as a Publicist in early 2015 because I wanted to make a bigger impact on society. I helped Boston singles find relationships working as a Matchmaker for a national firm and then I moved on to SoulCycle before transitioning to Nutrition School. I was already helping friends, family members, and colleagues live healthier lifestyles, but I finally decided it was time to turn a hobby into a rewarding career. While in school, I worked on my business and the rest is history!
One thing we love about Balance By Beth is your focus on accountability. What is the first piece of advice you would give someone that is struggling with willpower in their wellness journey?
I always tell my clients that food isn’t going anywhere. It isn’t going out of style. That chocolate chip cookie, frozen pizza, or Reese's peanut butter cup will still be in the grocery store in a week, month, or year from now. I also remind them not to be so hard on themselves. Do not self-sabotage just because you had a bad week. It is about not letting that bad week turn into a bad month. If you recommit to your goals you won’t feel defeated. You can recommit in the middle of a day or week. There is no rule that you have to wait to recommit the following Monday of the next week or the first day of the next month.
In addition to traditional health coaching, you also offer relationship coaching. Why did you add this to your list of services?
Relationship coaching is a crucial part of health and wellness. Relationships have various dynamics - romantic relationships, family relations, friendships, relationship to food, and so on. Many people emotionally eat because of these relationships or lack of relationships. It is important to understand that the act of eating can be a very intimate experience. Many people long for food, desire food, get pleasure from food. I guide clients to find greater fulfillment in whichever personal relationship they are struggling with and in turn, help them become intuitive eaters as opposed to emotional eaters. My previous work in Matchmaking has also given me significant experience in date coaching and relationship coaching. It’s never about a one-size-fits-all rule but instead helping others confidently portray themselves in a healthy way where they can be their authentic selves. Learning to be happy throughout the process of dating is a significant area of my coaching.
We are in love with your instagram feed which has a lot of food photos. What is your go-to healthy breakfast?
I have three favorite go-to’s - my blueberry pancakes (rolled oats, eggs, and banana base), peanut butter banana overnight oats topped with berries, or a smoothie bowl topped with granola, chia seeds, fruit, and nut butter. Anything that incorporates fruit and/or veggies, protein, and healthy fat in the AM makes me happy!
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your coaching business? Biggest reward?
The biggest challenge is effectively “running the show.” You have to wear all of the hats simultaneously - sales, marketing, customer service, IT, accounting, etc. You assume all roles as a new business owner. With that being said, it is very rewarding in all aspects. The biggest reward: helping people become the best version of themselves on a daily basis. I have the best job in the world!
What’s next for Balance By Beth?
I am so excited for Fall 2017! Fall symbolizes a fresh start and many people are looking to commit to something. I just introduced a corporate wellness program, so you’ll find me working with more companies on a mission to guide their employees to balanced lifestyles. I would also love to partner with local like-minded organizations to host a series of health and wellness events/workshops throughout Boston and destination retreats.
